1. Group Discussion:
  • Using the core question “Is our technology taking us closer to the world of Big Brother?” take on the persona of either a character from the novel or someone from contemporary society to discuss with your group what OTHERS say about the core question.
    • Ex: What would O’Brian say?
    • What would Winston say?
    • What would your teacher say?
    • What would the football coach say?

2. 1984 Notebook:Now, what would YOU say?
    • Is our technology taking us closer to the world of Big Brother? Reflect in your notebook.


3. Take a Stance and Gather Evidence
  • Guiding Questions for Research
    • What is your position on the issue?
    • Whey do think this is? What evidence do you have for this position? Go through your notes annotations and other materials for 1984. What can you use to support your argument? What evidence from current society can you use to support your argument? Do you need to do more research?
    • What would people who disagree with you say? What evidence supports their opinion? How can you argue against them?
    • Is this issue too complex to be stated as a right or wrong, yes or no position? Are there degrees of probability or certainty? For example, no one can know for certain that our society is turning into Big Brother. Is the possibility strong enough that we should take some action to prevent it? How will you present this in your argument?
4. Argumentative Assignment Instructions
  • You may choose to write and argumentative essay as a Google Doc OR create a Prezi to state your claim as to what degree technology is taking us closer to the world of Big Brother. Whichever assignment you choose must include the following criteria:
    • Introduction of topic for context and statement of your claim/argument
    • Minimum 3 pieces of evidence from Orwell's 1984 AND 3 pieces of credible evidence from contemporary society researched online with in text citations and works cited for all evidence used
    • Elaboration/explanation of all evidence to support your claim and connect evidence
    • Acknowledgement of counter argument with rebuttal
    • Conclusion or closing slide that weaves the parts together
    • Submit final essay as a Google Doc or final Prezi as a viewable link in Jupiter.